Naraka Chaturdashi marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura and freed 16,000 captive women. It falls in the Kartik month, on the fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha, as per the traditional Hindu Calendar.
Also known as Choti Diwali, Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, and Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi, it honors the victory of good over evil. Devotees usually perform rituals like Abhyang snan and Yama Tarpan, light diyas, and prepare for the main festival, Diwali.
In this guide, we’ll cover the Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 date and story, how to make the day more meaningful, and the festival dates in the coming years.
When is Naraka Chaturdashi in 2026?
According to Drik Panchang, Naraka Chaturdashi will be observed on November 8, 2026
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 10:47 AM, Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 11:27 AM, Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM, Sunday, November 8, 2026
Naraka Chaturdashi Story: Why Is It Celebrated?
Long ago, a demon named Narakasura caused suffering on Earth and in the world of Gods (Devlok). Several demigods tried to stop him, but because of a powerful boon Lord Brahma granted him, he was unbeatable. Under the boon, no man could kill him; only the woman who gave birth to the demon could. Confident that no man could defeat him, the demon began kidnapping women from all over the three worlds.
Over time, the demigods asked Bhagwan Vishnu to save Earth and heaven from Narakasura. Since Narakasura was the son of Lord Varaha (Vishnu's avatar) and Bhudevi, Lord Vishnu promised that His incarnation as Lord Krishna in the Dvapara Yuga would do so.
As promised, Lord Krishna accompanied His wife, Satyabhama (incarnation of Bhudevi), into battle with Narakasura. The battle took a severe turn; Lord Krishna sustained a slight injury, and, seeing this, His wife Satyabhama (mother of Narakasura) slew the demon with her arrow in anger.
Lord Krishna freed all the women the demon had captivated and accepted them as His wives to restore their social dignity and honor.
From that day, people celebrate Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura as Naraka Chaturdashi, reflecting that good always wins over evil.
What to Do on Naraka Chaturdashi
Below are the key Naraka Chaturdashi rituals you should perform on Naraka Chaturdashi:
1. Abhyang Snan:
Wake up before sunrise, apply oil all over your body, and gently rub it in. Then pour water over your body. After a full bath, put on fresh clothes and offer prayers to Lord Krishna to honor His divine victory.
2. Yama Tarpan:
During the day, face south and offer black sesame seeds while chanting Lord Yamraj's name. This ritual is traditionally believed to cleanse you of past karmic debts.
3. Yama Deepdaan:
In the evening during Pradosh Kaal, light a four-faced lamp with four wicks and place it outside the main door, facing south. Let it burn out on its own; this ritual is said to remove the risk of uncertain death in the family.
4. Light Diyas:
Light diyas (14 in many homes) in the kitchen, near the water matka, at the Tulsi and at the entrance, so the home is bright before Lakshmi Puja.
5. Aarti and Bhog:
After lighting diyas, perform aarti, worship Lord Krishna, and offer Bhog. Distribute the bhog as prasad among all the family members and neighbors.
Note: In 2026, Yama Deepdaan will be done on the evening of 7 November, when Chaturdashi tithi prevails during Pradosh Kaal.
Naraka Chaturdashi Dates for the Next 5 Years
Here are the dates for Naraka Chaturdashi in the upcoming years:
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 28 October | Thursday |
| 2028 | 17 October | Tuesday |
| 2029 | 5 November | Monday |
| 2030 | 25 October | Friday |
| 2031 | 13 November | Thursday |
FAQs
Conclusion
Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 is the day for all of us to destroy our inner evil and offer sincere devotion to Lord Krishna. Start the day with purity and perform the key rituals listed above. May this Naraka Chaturdashi bring peace, clarity, and happiness to you and your family.
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